IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD OF STAPLING UNIT THEREOF - An image forming apparatus and a control method of a stapling unit thereof, the method including selecting a first mode to apply stapling to previously output media, setting options about the first mode, stacking the previously output media on a feeding tray, transporting the stacked previously output media via a transporting path of the image forming apparatus, and applying the stapling to the previously output media according to the options of the first mode. Also provided is an image forming apparatus capable of stapling and discharging a previously output medium without a process of forming an image when a user selects a menu for stapling the previously output medium, thereby avoiding waste of paper and improving convenience for a user.

2010-04-29

20100102498

BANKNOTE PROCESSING MACHINE - A banknote processing machine which can be set to a banknote putting-in one by one mode and a banknote putting-in collectively mode and can reliably keep a state of the banknote putting-in one by one mode is provided. An opening regulating member is provided which sets an opening size of an inlet in a put-in banknote thickness direction to an opening size for putting banknotes in one by one and an opening size for putting banknotes in collectively. A fixing unit fixes the opening regulating member to a position of the opening size for putting banknotes in one by one and regulates setting the position of the opening regulating member to the position of the opening size for putting banknotes in collectively. In the case of an operator unused to the operation, the banknote putting-in one by one mode is adopted to reduce a banknote jam in depositing. In the case of an operator used to the operation of banknote replenishment, the banknote putting-in collectively mode is adopted to improve efficiency in the banknote replenishment.

2010-04-29

20100102499

FEEDING APPARATUS - In a feeding apparatus, a control device determines whether a brake roller is rotating based on the result of detection by a rotating-state detection sensor while a medium is being transferred by a separator roller. When determining that the brake roller is not rotating, the control device sets a pickup roller to non-contact state where the pickup roller is not in contact with a medium on a feed tray while a medium is not being transferred by the separator roller.

2010-04-29

20100102500

Image Reading Apparatus and Image Forming Apparatus - An image reading apparatus, which may be used in an image forming apparatus includes a document table including a flat surface for receiving a document, and a document cover that can be moved between a first position covering the flat surface and a second position exposing the flat surface. The image reading apparatus may further include an automatic document feeder disposed on the document cover that can automatically feed a document toward the flat surface. The automatic document feeder includes a gear train, and a gear cover covering a portion of the gear train, wherein the gear cover includes a protrusion that protrudes downward below the flat surface of the document table.

2010-04-29

20100102501

FRICTION RETARD FEEDER - Sheet feeding systems and methods for using such systems to feed a sheet from a stack in a document processing system are disclosed. An exemplary sheet feeding system may include a feed roll, a retard system, a trailing edge retention system and a system for automatically an selectively separating the feed roll and the retard system. The feed roll may be configured to drive a first sheet of a stack of sheets in a process direction. The retard system may be configured to prevent one or more second sheets from being driven in the process direction. The trailing edge retention system may be configured to automatically and selectively retain one or more second sheets in the stack by applying a force to a trailing portion of at least one second sheet, thus allowing the feed roll and retard system to be separated during much of the feed cycle. As a result, wear of the feed roll and/or retard system may be reduced.

2010-04-29

20100102502

Banknote Cassette - A banknote cassette advantageously uses injection molded endcaps to capture and secure a connecting sleeve to collectively form a generally rectangular housing of the banknote cassette. A movable access lid cooperates with the endcaps and connecting sleeve for locking of the cassette. Preferably, a banknote slot is formed as part of one of the endcaps to provide precision in the size of position of the banknote slot. The endcaps can be used with different sized connecting sleeves to simplify the manufacture of different capacity banknote cassettes. Preferably, the connecting sleeve is of a metal material.

2010-04-29

20100102503

PAPER TRAY LOCKING APPARATUS - A low cost locking device for securing special forms in paper trays when a printer is unattended that can be easily be field installed without screws or other fasteners or tools includes a bracket tray lock, a tray lock plate assembly and a padlock that cooperate to prevent the paper trays from being removed from the printer without a key for the padlock.

2010-04-29

20100102504

SHEET CONVEYANCE APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A skew roller is disposed near an abutment reference member. A pre-skew roller is disposed on the upstream side of the skew roller at a position corresponding to a conveyance center line. When a sheet conveyed by a pre-registration conveyance roller reaches the skew roller, the pre-registration conveyance roller moves upward to release a nipping force applied on the sheet. At the same time, the pre-skew roller moves downward to start aligning the sheet.

2010-04-29

20100102505

REMAINING SHEET VOLUME DETECTING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A remaining sheet volume detecting apparatus includes a loading unit that loads a sheet; a moving unit that moves the loading unit to a feed position of the loaded sheet; a feeding unit that feeds the sheet from the loading unit; a sheet thickness detecting unit that detects a thickness of the sheet; a load thickness detecting unit that detects that thickness of the loaded sheet within the loading unit, gradually decreasing; and a remaining sheet volume calculating unit that calculates a remaining volume within the loading unit based on the certain load thickness detected by the load thickness detecting unit and the sheet thickness detected by the sheet thickness detecting unit, each time a sheet is fed by the feeding unit after the load thickness detecting unit detects that the thickness of the loaded sheet within the loading unit has reached the certain load thickness.

2010-04-29

20100102506

Table Top Ball Game - A table top ball game that enables two or more people to play a variety of ball sports. Games are based on foosball/soccer table games and use similar controls, skills and operations to those already in existence. The stadium games enhance the game experience by adding features that are present in real games and by resembling the shape and imitating the images, sounds and atmosphere of a real stadium. Another aspect of the present invention provides a protective volume around the distal ends of the user operated control rods with a plurality of player figure mounted thereon. A further aspect of the present invention provides a plurality of means for eliminating dead spots on a playin surface while providing an improvement of the game.

SYMBOL DISPLAY DEVICE FOR GAME MACHINE - A symbol display device for a game machine includes a reel unit having a plurality of reels, each having a peripheral surface with a plurality of peripheral symbols. A reel supporting member that supports the reels rotatably and independently includes a lateral wall having a plurality of lateral symbols arranged around the rotational axis of the end reel, whereby any one of the lateral symbols is indicated by a pointer that rotates about the rotational axis of the end reel. A pivoting unit pivots the reel unit to a first angular position where the peripheral surfaces of the reels are observable and to a second angular position where the pointer and the lateral symbols on the lateral wall of the reel supporting member are observable. The pivoting unit is located above the reel unit.

2010-04-29

20100102509

Trading Game Simulation Method - A trading simulation game that emulates the roles of market makers and traders involved in the securities market. The simulation allows for random market activity by specifying a starting market price and employing a subset of a pool of market-affecting items to modify the starting price and determine the final game price. Items in the subset are incrementally revealed to simulation participants during play, and designated participants may make the first offer to trade. All participants simultaneously make and accept offers to buy and sell the simulated security without restriction, based on the public and private information they have and their dynamic estimates of the final game price. Trades are tracked with a novel tally sheet or game status chart, and they are settled at the final game price when all items are revealed. The use of a subset of a pool of market-affecting items allows for probability-based strategy similar to popular card games like blackjack and poker.

2010-04-29

20100102510

FOLDABLE GAME BOARD WITH INTERIOR STORAGE COMPARTMENT - A method, system, and apparatus of a foldable game board with an interior storage compartment are disclosed. A game system comprising a game-board element is disclosed. The game-board element comprises a first foldable surface with a first game-board pattern, a second foldable surface with a second game-board pattern, wherein the second foldable surface is affixed to the foldable first surface, and a storage cavity bounded by the first foldable surface and the foldable second surface. In addition, certain portions of the storage cavity may be used to store game pieces or game playing instructions. A wrap-around element may secure the game-board element in a folded position.

2010-04-29

20100102511

REMOTE LIVE GAME - A method and apparatus for enabling a player Io participate in a live online card game. After a card is drawn, and before all players can see it, it is optionally squeezed, i.e. slowly revealed to one or more players, such as the players who placed the highest bet for a particular side. The gradual revealing of the cards is performed by capturing and broadcasting a representative of the particular side showing the cards to a capturing device, by broadcasting pre-recorded image streams, or by broadcasting an image stream generated by a computing platform after a card was scanned by a scanning device. The player can choose the part of the card being revealed, and its orientation.

2010-04-29

20100102512

Automatic Shooting Sequence Controller - A voice activated apparatus for automatic sequential launching of clay targets for Skeet, Sporting Clays and Trap shotgun sports. The apparatus first detects a voice command and launches target(s) and then detects the gunshot(s) of the shooter to determine the completion of a segment of the shooting sequence and automatically progress to the next segment for activation upon the next voice command. The apparatus comprising a signal processing unit, designed to analyze spectral patterns and signal levels associated with acoustic signals, in order to distinguish the voice command from ambient and gunshot noise and prevent false activation. By tracking the number of gunshots fired by each shooter, the system determines the end of the shooting sequence and controls the number of clay targets allocated to each shooter.

2010-04-29

20100102513

SEAL ASSEMBLY FOR A ROTARY EARTH BIT - An earth bit includes a cutting cone rotatably mounted to a lug, and a seal assembly positioned to provide a seal between the cutting cone and lug. The seal assembly includes first and second rigid rings, and a first elastomeric sealing ring which carries the first rigid ring. The second rigid ring rotates in response to the rotation of the first elastomeric sealing ring, so that the second rigid ring is less likely to lock.

Mechanical packing system - A mechanical packing system for use for a device allows one or more packing rings to be installed one at a time and die formed in place. A reversible, detachable flange having a key offset from the center is inserted into a key slot of the hub of the mechanical packing system which is also offset during this installation process. When the device is operated, the flange is detached from the hub rotated 180° and the key of the flange is then inserted into the key slot of the hub. A spacer with integral lantern ring and internal bore surface which reduces or prevents marring or galling. A stuffing box of sufficient length to eliminate the need for a spacer or unneeded packing rings.

2010-04-29

20100102517

SEALING SYSTEM FOR MEDICAL/DENTAL HANDPIECES - A system for enhanced sealing against intrusion of moisture and other contaminants for medical/dental handpieces having rotating or other moving elements driven by a motor within the handpiece. The enhanced sealing includes tandem seals on stepped diameters to provide additional flow pathway impediments. The tandem seals preferably include spring seals that are positioned in opposite directions to provide enhanced sealing against pressures in two different directions that occur during the pressurization and vacuum cycles of an autoclaving process. Additional enhancements include the use of annular sealing rings with x-shaped cross sections.

2010-04-29

20100102518

TEMPERATURE ADAPTIVE DYNAMIC SHAFT SEAL ASSEMBLY - A seal assembly configured for sealing a dynamic shaft includes an elastic seal member disposable in sealing communication with the dynamic shaft. The seal assembly further includes a coil spring and a shape memory alloy element. The coil spring is disposed in contact with the elastic seal member and configured for applying a compressive force to the elastic seal member. The shape memory alloy element is configured for applying pressure to the coil spring to thereby augment the compressive force.

2010-04-29

20100102519

Sealing Structure And Gasket - There is provided a sealing structure and a gasket which can seal both of a portion where a groove for mounting the gasket is formed and a portion where a groove for mounting the gasket is not formed when the portions are connected.

2010-04-29

20100102520

CLOSED-LOOP CONTROL OF A PNEUMATIC SPRING - A device has a pneumatic spring for supporting a load on a bogie of a rail vehicle and a compressed air supply which is pneumatically connected to the air spring via an air spring valve in order to vent and to fill the air spring with compressed air. A closed-loop control unit adjusts the air volume and/or the air pressure in the air spring. A compressed air line provides for the pneumatic connection between the compressed air supply, air spring, air spring valve and control unit. Unnecessary filling and venting of the air spring is prevented by way of a device for limiting the volume flow into the compressed air line in dependence on the speed of the rail vehicle.

2010-04-29

20100102521

ROLL RIGIDITY CONTROLLING APPARATUS - A roll rigidity controlling apparatus includes a positional information obtaining means for obtaining a positional information of a vehicle, a gradient information obtaining means for obtaining a gradient information relating to a gradient of a road existing ahead of the vehicle, and a roll rigidity distribution changing means for changing a roll rigidity distribution ratio between a front portion and a rear portion of the vehicle on the basis of the positional information obtained by the positional information obtaining means and the gradient information obtained by the gradient information obtaining means before the vehicle reaches a point at which the gradient of the road changes.

2010-04-29

20100102522

SPLITBOARD BINDING APPARATUS - The present disclosure includes a binding apparatus for use on a splitboard. The binding apparatus may be used to change the splitboard between a snowboard for riding downhill in a ride mode and touring skis for climbing up a hill in a tour mode. The binding apparatus can include at least one board joining device. The binding apparatus can also include a binding interface configured to receive a boot and selectively attach to a ride mode interface in a snowboard configuration and to a tour mode interface in a ski configuration.

2010-04-29

20100102523

Shopping Cart Adapted to Receive Elongated Items - There is provided a shopping cart adapted to receive elongated items. The shopping cart includes a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion. A plurality of wheels are connected to the lower portion of the frame. The shopping cart includes an upper basket attached to the upper portion of the frame and a lower basket attached to the lower portion of the frame. The upper basket and lower basket are each open at the top and each is formed from a plurality of vertical and horizontal wire segments which form a plurality of windows. The upper basket has a front wall with a slot therein. The slot has a top portion and a bottom portion with the top portion being open so as to receive and retain an elongated item. The bottom portion of the slot extends down at least a portion of the front wall. The lower basket has a back wall with at least one major open for receiving an elongated item.

2010-04-29

20100102524

Shade Wagon - An all purpose recreational wagon is set forth. The wagon generally includes adult seating with a centered accessory shaft for anchoring the wagon and supporting various accessories. At least one side of the wagon breaks off or hinges to allow for seating or table top functionality. The wagon can store two large coolers, stadium chairs and blankets, an umbrella, a stroller, an inverter, and other various items.

2010-04-29

20100102525

WHEEL HEIGHT ADJUSTER FOR WALK-BEHIND MOWER - A mower is provided that includes a height-adjuster assembly that adjustably connects the ground engaging wheel to the housing of the mower at an adjustable height from the ground. The height-adjuster assembly includes a bracket fixed to the housing, an arm, a sleeve, a wheel mount, a pin, and a handle. The arm is rotatably mounted relative to the housing and the bracket about a pivot point. The sleeve is fixed to the arm for rotation with the arm relative to the housing and the bracket about the pivot point. A handle overlays the pin and the sleeve. The handle is configured to be grasped by a user for movement along a first direction to move the pin from a first position into a second position. Upon reaching the second position, the handle and the sleeve can be rotated to rotate the ground engaging wheel relative to the housing.

2010-04-29

20100102526

THREE-WHEELED CART - A three-wheeled cart includes a bottom portion with a base inclined downwardly toward a rear end of the cart, a pair of side walls attached to the base, the base and side walls defining a cavity therebetween. The bottom portion can have a pair of wedge-shaped fenders extending generally perpendicular to the side walls and a pair of axle mounts attached to the side walls and extending below the base, each side wall, fender and axle mount being integral with each other and part of a monolithic piece. A pair of front wheels is coupled via an axle to the axle mounts, the front wheels disposed below the fenders and inwardly therefrom. The cart can have a back portion attached to the bottom portion, the back portion having a back plate inclined rearwardly toward the rear end of the cart. A handle portion is attached to the side rails and has a support portion disposed rearwardly of the back plate. A rear wheel is operatively coupled to the bottom portion and disposed rearwardly of the bottom portion, the rear wheel configured to pivot about a vertical axis to facilitate the turning of the cart.

2010-04-29

20100102527

SUSPENSION DEVICE - Since a vehicular width direction inside end and vehicular width direction outside end of a trailing arm

2010-04-29

20100102528

ADJUSTABLE STEP ARRANGEMENT FOR A VEHICLE - An adjustable step arrangement for a vehicle to assist a user to get into and out of the vehicle. The arrangement includes a U-shaped, tube member supported on a guide system. The tube member has two leg portions with a step section extending between them. The leg portions of the tube members have slots in their undersides that slidably receive vertical guide plates attached to the vehicle. The plates have guide channels in them and the leg portions of the tube member are secured to the guide plates by bolts passing through the channels wherein the adjustable step arrangement can be selectively moved either manually or by a powered assembly between its raised and lowered positions. The step arrangement is accessible to the user for assistance getting into and out of the vehicle in both its raised and lowered positions.

SLIDER TUBE UNIT FOR A SUSPENSION FORK - A slider tube unit for a suspension fork of a bicycle, including two spaced-apart slider tubes and a wheel receiving space in-between, and at least one connector bracket connecting the two slider tubes above the wheel receiving space. The connector bracket includes a connector body which in its longitudinal extension from the one slider tube to the other slider tube is configured hollow wherein the connector body consists of an open basic profile and a reinforcing device closing the opening of the basic profile.

2010-04-29

20100102531

BICYCLE REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM WITH CONTROLLED VARIABLE SHOCK RATE - A bicycle comprises a bicycle frame and a rear wheel suspension system that is attached to the frame. The rear wheel suspension system comprises a rear wheel swingarm and a shock absorber that is coupled to the swingarm. A change in vertical wheel travel (ΔVWT) of the rear wheel is related to a change in the length of the shock absorber (ΔSL), providing a shock rate (SR). The shock rate (SR) changes throughout the vertical wheel travel of the rear wheel, such that the change in the shock rate dSR/dVWT has a change in sign as the rear wheel travels through its vertical wheel travel. In each case, the rate of change of the shock includes a change in sign, from positive to negative or from negative to positive. In some embodiments, the swingarm may be attached to the frame at a single pivot point or through a linkage system.

2010-04-29

20100102532

ARTICULATED DUMP TRUCK - An article dump truck has a front tractor unit connected to an associated rear trailer unit with a tipping container by an articulated coupling. The articulated coupling is operable to allow the front tractor unit and rear trailer unit to pivot about a vertical pivot axis, rams being provided to turn the front tractor unit and rear trailer unit about the pivot to steer the dump truck. The articulated coupling also allows the front tracter unit and rear trailer unit to rotate relative to each other about a longitudinal axis of the dump truck. In addition, the front tractor unit has a front chassis mounted on a pair of wheels by an independent suspension system.

2010-04-29

20100102533

SNOTZ SNOW SKIS - The SNOTZ Snow Skis are made from synthetic space-age material that exceeds the performance of other skis that have been produced in the past. SNOTZ skis possess the strength and flexibility of a performance ski and weighs less than its closest rival. The base, Teflon, has been compared to the surface of ice which has proved to be very slippery. This factor makes the SNOTZ Skis one of the fastest skis on the ski slopes today. There is no need for preparation of the base with ski waxes since the Teflon base has no porosity to absorb the wax. Also, the ski base has good abrasive resistance to help prevent tears, scratches, and gouges that are randomly found on the surface of the snow.

2010-04-29

20100102534

FOOT/LEG CAST SUPPORT for STROLLER - An adjustable support mechanism for supporting foot (feet), leg(s) in casts or braces of various sorts that attaches to a stroller is provided. The adjustable support comprises two shelves connected to adjustable joints. The support is adjustable to the angle of the seat of the stroller and attaches securely to the frame of a stroller. The support is usable with different types of strollers.

2010-04-29

20100102535

Infant Carrier Device Suitable for Multi-Orientation Use - An infant carrier device comprises a foldable support frame, an adjustable backrest assembly, a backrest positioning mechanism including a fixed positioning member and a movable latching member connected with the backrest assembly, and a disengaging mechanism connected with the support frame and movable relative to the positioning member. The latching member is movable between a first position where the latching member is engaged with the positioning member for locking the backrest assembly in position, and a second position where the latching member is disengaged from the positioning member. Moreover, the disengaging mechanism is operable to interact with the latching member for causing the latching member to move from the first position to the second position when the support frame is folded.

2010-04-29

20100102536

Movable carrier for table saw - A movable carrier for combination with a table saw includes a retractable bar and two rollers. When the retractable bar is extracted and the rollers touch the ground, the table saw can be easily carried to move from one place to another. When the retractable bar is retracted, the movable carrier is spaceless and can prevent the table saw from collision.

Method for illuminating colors in a backlit driver airbag emblem - An airbag emblem may be backlit or illuminated to provide the emblem with greater visual appeal. In order to accomplish this illumination, an illumination source is used. This illumination source may be electroluminescent foil. The emblem includes colors that are added or inserted onto the emblem. These colors are translucent so that they may be illuminated by the illumination source. This emblem may be placed as part of an airbag cover on a steering wheel.

2010-04-29

20100102539

KNEE AIRBAG DEVICE - A knee airbag device includes an airbag module and an airbag door. The airbag module, which is provided inside a column cover that covers the rear end portion of a steering column, includes gas generation device that generates gas when a collision occurs, and a knee airbag that is inflated and deployed from a folded state when the knee airbag receives the gas from the gas generation device. The airbag door, which is provided in the lower portion of the column cover, is opened when the inflation pressure of the knee airbag is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. When the knee airbag is deployed, at least a portion of the airbag door is positioned between an interfering object that is positioned in an area on the side of the column cover, and at leaser a portion of the knee airbag.

AUTOMOTIVE AIRBAG APPARATUS - An automotive airbag apparatus is able to reduce the shock caused by early deployment of airbag against a passenger not in a position for safe airbag restraint, and further able to deploy quickly and effectively when a passenger is in a position for safe restraint. The airbag apparatus includes an airbag housing in which a folded airbag resides until deployed by the gas from an inflator, an airbag door that opens on a hinge from the pressure applied by the deploying airbag, and a restrictor member extending over the folded airbag beneath the airbag door with a direction from front to rear of the vehicle. The restrictor member has a fixed end at forward part thereof attached to the airbag housing, and a releasable fixed or free end at rearward part thereof, the free end coming into frictional contact with the airbag door in the vicinity of the hinge as the airbag door is pushed out by the early phase of the airbag deployment.

2010-04-29

20100102542

AIRBAG DEVICE - [PROBLEMS] To cushion impact acting on an occupant who is not in a regular position. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] When an abnormality occurs, an airbag device (

2010-04-29

20100102543

Sub-Frame Mount for Suspension - A sub-frame mount for a suspension may include a frame structure having an upper plate and a lower plate, a front mounting portion provided at a front portion of the frame structure, and connected to a vehicle body through a first mount bolt, and a rear mounting portion provided at a rear portion of the frame structure, and connected to the vehicle body through a second mount bolt, wherein the respective rear mounting portion includes, a first hole formed at the upper plate, a second hole corresponding to the first hole and formed at the lower plate, width of the second hole corresponding approximately to the width of the body of the second mount bolt, and a third hole connected to the second hole so that a head of the second mount bolt can pass through the third hole.

2010-04-29

20100102544

LABEL ASSEMBLY HAVING ANGLED REGISTRATION TABS FOR APPLYING A LABEL TO AN OBJECT - A label assembly that includes a face sheet with at least one label shape defined by one or more tearable lines of separation, a back sheet adjacent to the face sheet, and an adhesive material disposed between the face sheet and the back sheet. The back sheet has a removable panel disposed over the label shape adhesive material and a registration structure aligned with the label shape. The registration structure is one of raised or raisable above the back sheet surface and includes an edge extending at a non-perpendicular angle from the back sheet surface or the removable panel.

2010-04-29

20100102545

LABEL ASSEMBLY HAVING RAISABLE REGISTRATION TABS DISPOSED OVER REMOVABLE SHAPES - A label assembly that includes a face sheet with a label shape defined by one or more tearable lines of separation, a back sheet adjacent to the face sheet, and an adhesive material disposed between the face sheet and the back sheet. The back sheet has a removable panel disposed over the label shape adhesive material and a registration tab aligned with the label shape. The registration tab includes a portion disposed over a removable shape within the label shape. The registration tab is raisable above the back sheet surface and the removable shape adheres to the registration tab while being raised, thereby removing the removable shape from the label shape.

2010-04-29

20100102546

COMBINATION SCRATCH TICKET AND ON-LINE GAME TICKET - A system and method for implementing a secondary lottery game with a first instant lottery game in an instant lottery game ticket is disclosed. The player purchases an instant lottery game, where chances for winning instant prizes are provided to the player. The player may also be provided a chance to win entry with predetermined entry indicia into a secondary lottery game if the instant lottery ticket indicates that the player has won a ticket to the secondary lottery game.

2010-04-29

20100102547

WATER METER PIT ASSEMBLY - A water meter pit assembly includes a plastic frame and a plastic cover. The plastic frame is to be supported on a water meter column that extends upwardly from a water meter pit. The plastic cover is releasably secured to the plastic frame so that the plastic cover can be detached when needed to provide access to water meter components that are located within the water meter pit.

2010-04-29

20100102548

TUBE FITTING - A tube fitting is provided which is capable of easily attaching and detaching a tube by one hand manipulation and of more improving attachability and detachability and setting pressure contact force to be higher. The tube fitting including a tubular main body, a sleeve being tubular-shaped and being fixed in the main body with axial lines of the main body and the sleeve coincided with each other, a locking member having a ring part and a plurality of extended parts extending from the ring part toward an axial direction and being mounted in the sleeve in a state where axial lines of the ring part and the sleeve are coincided with each other and being movable in the sleeve in an axial direction and in a circumferential direction.

2010-04-29

20100102549

GROOVED TRANSITION COUPLING - A pipe coupling and gasket, a pipe coupling system, and installation method for joining and sealing adjoining pipes having different outer diameters. The gasket including three flanges extending radially inward, with the middle flange acting as a fulcrum against the outer surface of the larger pipe to cause distension of the opening of the gasket receiving the smaller pipe, to permit easy entry of the smaller pipe into the gasket. The gasket is then slid over the larger pipe so that the middle flange slips over the edge of the larger pipe to relax the opening of the gasket receiving the smaller pipe. The middle flange can also form a sealing surface on the outer diameter surfaces of the larger pipe or on both the larger and smaller pipes. The middle flange can also form a sealing surface against the radially extending end surface of the larger pipe.

2010-04-29

20100102550

TUBE FITTING - A tube fitting which can change a position (angle) of a fitting part to connect external tube thereto is provided.

2010-04-29

20100102551

HOSE COUPLING - A hose coupling employs a tailpiece, a sleeve and collar to prevent the hose to be removed from the coupling. The tailpiece includes an exterior having: a first sinusoidally shaped (in cross-section), partially diamond shaped knurled contour, and, a cylindrically shaped interior. The sleeve includes an interior second sinusoidally shaped contour reciprocal to the first undulating contour of the tailpiece. The sleeve includes first and second halves each having two sets of fingers which interengage the fingers of the other half. A hose is disposed between the sleeve and the tailpiece and the hose includes a grounding wire which engages the collar or the sleeve. The collar includes first and second halves and each of the halves of the collar interengage the sleeve urging the sleeve against the hose compressing the hose against the contour of the tail piece.

2010-04-29

20100102552

HOSE COUPLING AND HOSE - The hose includes an outer jacket which includes warp and weft fibers made of Vectran®. The process for making the hose, includes: forming an inner liner and coating the exterior thereof with adhesive; weaving, in a twill weave pattern, Vectran® yarn, in a repeating 2-4-2-4-2 pattern in both the warp and the weft directions; extruding polyurethane onto the woven vectran yarn, the polyurethane extending into pillars between the warp and weft yarn, forming an outer liner; inserting the inner liner coated with adhesive within the outer liner; and, pressurizing the inner liner with steam expanding the inner liner and the adhesive into engagement with the Vectran® yarn and polyurethane pillars of the outer liner.

2010-04-29

20100102553

THREADED TUBULAR CONNECTION WHICH IS LEAK-PROOF UNDER INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL SUCCESSIVE PRESSURE LOADS - A threaded tubular connection that is leak-proof for internal and external successive pressure loads including a male element and a female element. At least one of the male or female elements includes a lip between the threading and the free end of the element. The lip includes a first zone with a peripheral surface turned towards the other element on which a first metallic sealing surface is disposed that can be radially interference fitted against a corresponding second metallic sealing surface disposed on the other element. The lip includes a second zone located axially between the first zone and the corresponding threading. The radial stiffness of the second zone is less than that of the first zone and that of a third zone adjacent to the second zone in the direction of the threading, and the second zone can be radially deformed by a pressure exerted thereon.

2010-04-29

20100102554

Tube Fitting with either Single or Double Ferrule Swage Design Common to One System - A tube fitting with either single or double ferrule swage design common in one system, in one ISO 8434-1 system, being made up of connecting bodies, swaging ferrules and driving nuts, and being a single ferrule design when using one swaging ferrule and being a double ferrule design when using a sealing ferrule and a holding ferrule as the swaging ferrule. The single ferrule tube fitting provides at first a sole smooth-swaged joint for sealing by a sealing cantilever of the ferrule head wedge, and then a depression-swaged joint for fastening by an inner edge of the ferrule head wedge, an operation stopping feel for installation by a ferrule tail wedge, and an isolation of the ferrule head from the tail overdriven motion by an automatic radial outward warp of the middle of the ferrule, resulting in being able both to deliver a definite installation-stopping feel and tolerate any overdrive installation. The double ferrule tube fitting provides at first a sole smooth-swaged joint for sealing by a sealing cantilever of the head wedge of the sealing ferrule, and then a transition-swaged joint for sealing and fastening by an inner edge of the sealing ferrule head wedge, a depression-swaged joint for fastening by the holding ferrule and an operation stopping feel for installation by a ferrule-swaged depression, resulting in being able both to deliver a more definite installation stopping feel and more tolerate any overdrive installation. The sealing cantilever is in the pressurized medium and has a self-energized ability, and has a more shock and vibration resistance because the cantilever is at first suspended and then isolated by the double fastening joints.

2010-04-29

20100102555

TUBE FITTING - A tube fitting is provided which is able to be easily attached even in a narrow attaching place. The tube fitting

2010-04-29

20100102556

Pipe stop system and method to prevent over insertion - A bell end in an extruded pipe having a transition phase of greater than 35° is formed by thermoforming. The transition phase acts as a pipe stop system to prevent over insertion of another pipe into the bell end. The process includes heating the first end of the pipe, pushing the pipe onto a mandrel having a sloped portion with a forming angle of more than 35° and applying pressure to conform the pipe to the shape of the working surface of the mandrel. The heating step includes heating an end of the pipe where the transition phase will be formed in a preliminary pre-heater, while the pipe is still warm from the extrusion process, and then immediately thereafter in a heating box. Preferably, the end of the pipe, and in particular the portion of the pipe corresponding to the longitudinal position where the transition phase will be formed, will be heated to an average temperature of at least 100° F. and more preferably 200° F. and still more preferably at 300° F. The number of heating zones in the heating unit and the duration of heating is selected to be comparable to the time required to extrude the pipe so that the overall thermoforming process can be performed substantially continuously with the pipe extrusion.

2010-04-29

20100102557

WIND-DRIVEN POWER PLANT EQUIPPED WITH FOLDING AND LIFTING MECHANISM FOR RAISING AND STOWING THE TOWER - A wind-driven electric plant includes a mast with a windwheel and a generator, a shielding chamber with a base, walls and a cover. According to one embodiment, said mast is attached to the shielding chamber base by a fastening-lifting device attached to a mast transfer mechanism for stowing the mast into the chamber or placing the mast into operating position. The mast comprises a set of pivotally connected sections, with the ability to fold and spread, preferably under the control of an automatic control device. In a second embodiment, the mast comprises a set of telescoping sections attached to a post, rigidly fastened to the base of the chamber, with the ability of the mast vertical movement therein. Both embodiments preferably comprise both manual control and automatic remote control. Also, both embodiments preferably comprise a mechanism for opening and closing the shielding chamber cover connected to an automatic control device.

2010-04-29

20100102558

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR WIND ENERGY CONVERTERS - A wind energy converter configured for transmitting power to an electric grid includes a variable ratio gear system mechanically coupled between a rotor and a generator. A control system is configured to mechanically control a rotational speed of the generator so that, during a low voltage event, the wind energy converter can continue to operate and supply power to the grid.

2010-04-29

20100102559

WIND TURBINE ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR ALIGNING A WIND TURBINE WITH THE WIND DIRECTION - A method for aligning a wind turbine with the wind direction is provided. The method includes measuring at least one first pressure at a first side of the wind turbine's nacelle, determining the pressure difference between the measured first pressure and a second pressure, and rotating the nacelle in dependence to the determined pressure difference. A wind turbine arrangement including a nacelle, a yaw alignment controller, and a yaw drive is also provided.

2010-04-29

20100102560

Wind Power Generation Apparatus, Wind Power Generation System And Power System Control Apparatus - A power system control apparatus which controls a power system electrically connected to a wind power generation apparatus having a wind turbine which receives wind and rotates, a generator which generates electric power by the rotating wind turbine, and a power converter which converts the electric power generated by the generator. The power system control apparatus includes a voltage detector for detecting a voltage of the power system, a reactive power command value generation unit for generating a reactive power command value from a voltage detection value of the voltage detector, and a transmission unit for transmitting the reactive power command value to the wind power generation apparatus. Output fluctuation of the generator is suppressed, and reactive power according to the reactive power command value is transmitted from the wind power generation apparatus to the power system.

2010-04-29

20100102561

Using sail and wind power to generate electricity, and as a power source - Specially designed masts, rectangular sails that slide inside frames and can be folded or wrapped, and directing the wind around the system by using a wind deflector and a fin, are used to produce power from the wind, masts will rotate around an oval wall in a circle and drive chains that will turn wheels that in turn drive generators, fin and wind deflector are used to position the system, all parts of the system are installed on one rotating platform, the system is mobile, simple design, made of low cost material, can look like a beautiful sail ship and environmentally friendly, so less people will object to it, multiple small generators that can go on or off-line automatically, are preferred over one large generator, to control the production and speed of the system, generators can physically be added or taken out of the system without halting it.

2010-04-29

20100102562

WAVE ENERGY RECOVERY SYSTEM - The present invention includes novel apparatus and methods for recovering energy from water waves. An embodiment of the present invention may include a buoy, a shaft, and an electric power generating device. The shaft may be coupled to the buoy such that when the buoy moves vertically in response to a passing wave, the shaft rotates. The shaft may be coupled to the electric power generating device such that when the shaft rotates, the generating device produces electric power. Once electric power is generated, it may be delivered to shore, where it is stored, used to power a device, or delivered to a power distribution grid.

2010-04-29

20100102563

DEVICE FOR WAVE-POWERED GENERATOR - Device for a wave-powered generator where a generator via a drive and a primary drive line is connected to a float arranged floating on a water surface, and the drive comprises: a first and a second drive shaft each provided with a freewheel and a drive roller; a part of the primary drive line in engagement with each of the drive rollers; the inlet direction of the primary drive line on the first drive roller being opposite to the inlet direction on the second drive roller such that a linear movement of the drive line rotates the first drive roller opposite to the second drive roller; and the freewheels are interconnected by means of a transmission means effecting the freewheels outgoing rotational motions being identical; and one of the freewheels via further transmission means is arranged to be able to rotate the generator's drive shaft.

2010-04-29

20100102564

Method and apparatus for converting ocean wave energy into electricity - A method and apparatus for harnessing power associated with ocean waves and converting that power into electricity. The apparatus is a buoy that houses a vertically oriented central shaft, a pendulum, and a generator. As the buoy tilts from the vertical under the influence of wave motion, the pendulum is accelerated and rotates about the central shaft. A centrally-placed generator is mechanically coupled to, and driven by, the rotating pendulum so that the pendulum's kinetic energy is converted into electricity. The electricity may be stored at or near the buoy or transferred to a remote facility. Moreover, a fin array located along the bottom of the buoy serves as an anti-torque mechanism and improves the operational efficiency of the electricity production. The method involves employing use of the centrally located generator and the fin array to efficiently harness wave power.

2010-04-29

20100102565

Oscillating energy capture mechanism - Two or more pivots are mounted vertically or horizontally onto a rotary or stationary support structure or platform, and between these pivots, a flexible sheet of material is suspended. The mechanism operates via oscillation of the pivots that results from the upwind or upstream pivot determining the side of the flexible sheet the low-pressure (lift) area favors. The downwind or downstream pivot captures the energy from the lift generated. The mechanism makes use of adjustable pivot arm lengths and pivot spacing to tension or relax the flexible sheet, enabling control in various wind and water speeds. Alternate embodiments make use of cord attachments instead of rigid pivots, a double pivot that engages two flexible sheets in opposing action, circular/partial hemispherical sheets than enable omni-directional operation from a fixed embodiment, and shallow water body capability.

Aqua Aura Power Generation Process - A power generation assembly is submerged in water and receives potential energy in the form of harnessed buoyancy force that is established and sustained through manipulation of materials of various densities. By use of forces created by the interactions of buoyancy, mass displacement, gravity, leverage and other forces, the captured forces are converted into mechanical energy which in turn is used to create electrical energy. In one embodiment, the invention creates electricity by use of the force exerted when buoyancy is established, harnessed and sustained with the use of fluids or gasses of specified densities that optimize the force of gravity and an equal and opposite force, buoyancy to create the largest possible difference in relative density of components simultaneously used within the process. In general, and by way of example, less dense air is released through piping conveyance within a bottom portion of a basin or tank with said basin being previously filled with a fluid of higher density. Upon release of the less dense air or gas, the less dense air, gas or other Less Dense Material, (LDM) will be forced in an upward direction while the higher dense material, (HDM) such as water or sea water or other liquid) is displaced and forced into downward direction do to gravity. The combined upward buoyancy force and downward gravity force acting through air and water is used to induce movement of a turbine, rotation of attached gearing, and subsequent generator power head, dynamo, alternator, and other means which in turn generates electricity.

2010-04-29

20100102568

Electric Power Generating System Using Permanent Magent Motors - A system for generating electric power. The system comprising a first rechargeable battery, a first permanent magnet motor powered by the first rechargeable battery, a device for controlling battery power to the magnet motors, a first device for converting mechanical output of the first permanent magnet to electrical energy, a second rechargeable battery charged by the electrical energy produced by the first device, a second device for controlling battery power applied to the second permanent magnet motor being powered by the second rechargeable battery and a second device for converting mechanical output of the second permanent magnet motor to electrical energy. The permanent magnet motors capable of producing more mechanical output for the same electrical input compared to conventional electric motors are used in the present invention. The system could use multiple devices in series and use solar panel combined with wind wheel to recharge any battery in outdoors use.

2010-04-29

20100102569

Worldwide wind farm enclosure units and grid: worldwide battery-based airflow induced wind farm enclosure units and grid (webbaidwindfarm) - A system for producing energy from the flow of air by providing a source of energy which provides power to operate an airflow generating device directly through mechanical energy, or by generating electrical current that charges a grid of one or more batteries, backed up by other sources of energy in the event that the primary source of energy fails to provide sufficient energy to keep the batteries charged. The batteries provide power to an airflow generating device such as a wind turbine or fan placed in an enclosure, which produces a flow of air which powers a plurality of wind energy generators situated in this same enclosure so that these wind generators operate at maximum airflow speeds specified by the wind/airflow energy generators for optimal production of energy without damage to the generator units, thus producing power for numerous purposes including power for homes, commercial and other uses, to supply net excess power generated to worldwide power grids, and to provide energy for the operation of all types of vehicles.

Manpower Power Generator - A manpower power generator includes a hand pole set, a foot pole set, a linking pole set, a freewheel set, a power generator, a electrical-control apparatus, a battery, a seat sit, and a pedestal. The aforementioned configuration is driven by manpower to output the mechanical energy and to convert the mechanical energy into the electric energy by the electrical-control apparatus. The electric energy is provided as home electric power and is isolated from the power generated by the power station. By the wheel set, the manpower power generator is able to be moved conveniently, and is able to be set indoor or outdoor for kinds of buildings. During generating power, the user can also go in for physical training. Thus, it is able to gain two advantages by the manpower power generator.

2010-04-29

20100102572

ELECTROMECHANICAL LOCKS AND LATCHING ARRANGEMENTS - An electrically operable latch includes a housing and a latch member assembled with the housing for movement between an extended position and a retracted position. A blocker member is disposed in the housing and adapted to block movement of the latch member to the retracted position when the blocker member is in a first position, and to permit movement of the latch member from the extended position to the retracted position when the blocker member is in a second position. An actuator member is disposed in the housing and adapted to move the blocker member from the first position to the second position in response to an electrical signal supplied to the actuator member.

2010-04-29

20100102573

Retrofit safety door lock - The invention involves the creation of a security lock system that allows a room's occupant to quickly secure the room against entry from the outside without the need to exit the room and without the need to use a key for activating the lock mechanism; the lock is a retrofit device that fits onto a typical inner lever arm door handle, and provides a frictional means for maintaining the inner door handle in an open position; in an emergency, the handle can be manually rotated into the closed, position, rendering the door non operable from outside without the use of the appropriate key.

2010-04-29

20100102574

Vehicular container lid-latching system, assembly, and method - A vehicular container, lid-latching system and method is practiced by outfitting a vehicular container and container lid with an automatic uniquely configured latch mechanism and a latch-engaging structure uniquely configured to cooperably engage the latch mechanism. The latch mechanism is automatically operable by way of engagement with structure directed thereagainst and preferably outfitted upon the container at one end thereof. The latch-engaging structure, preferably outfitted upon the lid, engages the latching mechanism under a directed load and for automatic and selective latching securement or latching release of the lid relative to the container.

2010-04-29

20100102575

GRAVITY RELEASE LOCKING APPARATUS FOR TRASH CONTAINER - A trash container locking apparatus includes a housing which is secured to a surface of a trash container. The housing includes a pivot member rotatably mounted in an outer wall of the housing for rotation about a pivot axis and having an inner portion inside the housing and an outer portion outside the housing. A latch member is secured to the pivot member inside the housing. A swing arm secured to the pivot member outside the housing and associated with a locking bar which extends over a lid of the trash container. A latch paddle is pivotally mounted in the housing to hang vertically in a latch engaging position when the housing is mounted on the trash container. The latch member and latch paddle have interengaging formations which engage in a locking position to prevent the latch member and associated swing arm from rotating.

2010-04-29

20100102576

ACCESSORY SECURING MECHANISM - A accessory securing mechanism includes a housing member, a cover member, and an engaging member. The housing member defines a cutout and forms a pole unit protruding from the bottom of the cutout. The engaging member includes an elastic washer, the washer is sleeved into the pole unit.

2010-04-29

20100102577

SUPPORT MOUNT FOR AN IMPACT ABSORBING SYSTEM INTENDED TO BE MOUNTED AT THE END OF A MOTOR VEHICLE SIDE MEMBER - The supporting piece is intended to be mounted at the end of a motor vehicle side member, this side member including, in the continuation thereof, a plate for mounting a transverse impact beam. The supporting piece includes a bearing surface for an absorber positioned in front of this bearing surface, the bearing surface being arranged in such a way as to extend under the mounting plate and substantially parallel thereto when the supporting piece is mounted at the end of the side member. The supporting piece is shaped in such a way that it does not deform irreversibly when the vehicle suffers an insurance impact.

2010-04-29

20100102578

Bumper Beam - A bumper beam for a vehicle has a hat shaped profile with the crown (

2010-04-29

20100102579

MODULAR BUMPER SYSTEM - A modular reconfigurable bumper system for an off road vehicle includes a center base mountable to the front of the vehicle. The center base has ends, a top face, and a front face. A pair of first mounting locations having associated mounting holes are located on the front face of the center base adjacent its ends and a pair of second mounting locations having associated mounting holes are located on the top face adjacent the ends of the center base. A pair of third mounting locations are located on the ends of the center base. A plurality of optional accessories including end plates, end extenders, an overrider, a prerunner, a stinger, and D-rings are selectively mountable to the center base, all via the first, second, and third mounting locations. The system also includes a rear bumper assembly mountable to the back of the vehicle and having a hinged spare tire carrier and D-rings selectively attachable to the rear bumper via common fourth mounting locations.

2010-04-29

20100102580

ENERGY ABSORBER WITH DIFFERENTIATING ANGLED WALLS - A vehicle includes a beam and fascia over the beam, and an energy absorber mounted between the beam and fascia. The energy absorber is thermoplastic and has energy-absorbing wall geometries that are forwardly facing and configured to absorb energy from a low speed impact against a pedestrian. The wall geometries having multiple wall sections defining multiple draft angles and lengths adapted to buckle at transitions of the multiple draft angles during the low speed impact, with the numbers and types of draft angles and transitions of these draft angles being varied to provide a selected amount of resistance force needed to absorb an optimal amount of energy over time during the impact. The energy absorber is tuned for optimal minimized injury to an impacted object.

2010-04-29

20100102581

VEHICLE FRONT SHOCK ABSORBING STRUCTURE - A front shock absorbing structure of a vehicle includes a bumper reinforcement member that is disposed in a vehicle width direction in a front portion of a vehicle body and is formed as a rigid elongated member, and a shock absorbing member that is positioned on a front surface of the bumper reinforcement member. The shock absorbing member is vertically divided into a first shock absorbing portion and a second shock absorbing portion. The first and second shock absorbing portions are integrally coupled to each other at a forward side, so as to define a space therebetween at a rearward side. The coupling can be broken when an impact is applied by an impactor from ahead. The second shock absorbing portion has a protruding portion that is projected toward the space.

2010-04-29

20100102582

AXIAL MEMBER WITH FLANGE, CONNECTION MEMBER AND PRODUCTION METHODS THEREOF - A target tubular member with flange, such as a bumper stay, has a flange having an outer diameter larger than the diameter of an axial section and is formed by electromagnetic forming without excessive expansion. The tubular member with flange includes an axial member made of a tubular aluminum alloy extrudate and a flange member joined to an end of the axial member. The axial member has an end flange being integrated at its end and having an area smaller than that of the flange member. The flange member has a hole, and a cylindrical hole flange at the edge of the hole. The axial member fits in the hole of the flange member, the end flange is in intimate contact with the flange member, and the outer periphery of a small-diameter portion of the axial member is in intimate contact with the inner periphery of the hole flange. The hole flange is held between the end flange and a protrusion. The tubular member with flange may be produced by inserting an untreated pipe into the hole of the flange member and expanding the untreated pipe by electromagnetic forming.

2010-04-29

20100102583

EXTENDIBLE REACHER - A hand-held reacher, comprising a jaw portion having a pair of jaws movable relative to each other between fully clamped and fully opened positions thereof, and a handle portion spaced apart from the jaw portion by a selectively extendible central portion. The handle portion comprises a manually-actuatable trigger operatively connected to the jaw portion by a selectively extendible pull member at least substantially disposed within the central portion, whereby actuation of the trigger is operative to move the pull member to thereby selectively position the pair of jaws between the fully clamped and fully opened position thereof. The selectively extendible central portion comprises a first tubular member slidingly telescopingly received within a second tubular member, a first coupling for selectively fixing the relative positions of the first and second tubular members, and a second coupling for selectively fixing the length of the pull member, the second coupling being characterized by a first, engaged condition in which the length of the pull member is fixed, and a second, disengaged condition in which the length of the pull member may be varied.

2010-04-29

20100102584

Portable, Collapsible Multiple Purpose Tool - A snow removal system is provided that is comprised generally of a handle that is selectively interconnectable to a shaft. The shaft is also interconnectable to either a shovel head or a broom head. The assembly is thus collapsible and easily stored within a vehicle or an automobile.

2010-04-29

20100102585

HOUSING SYSTEM AND HOUSING METHOD FOR PASSENGER SEAT - A center seat provided rightward in a left seat is detached from a center seat retention base when a seatback is caused to fold so that the thickness direction of the seatback coincides with the thickness direction of a seating cushion. Then, the folded center seat is caused to move on a floor forward in the vehicle, and is housed into a center seat-housing portion in a console box.

Heat shield assembly - A heat shield assembly is applied to and shields an automobile from the sunlight and has a winding rod and a main heat shield. The main heat shield is connected to and selectively winds around the winding rod and has multiple main shielding strips. The main shielding strips are semi-tubular, are connected together and each main shielding strip has a convex surface, a concave surface and a ventilation passageway. The ventilation passageway allows the air flows therethrough to dissipate the heat of the main shielding strip and the automobile.

2010-04-29

20100102589

REAR DOOR STRUCTURE - A rear door structure including: a frame portion which supports an upper edge and both lateral edges of a rear glass; a lateral beam which extends in a vehicle width direction and connects both lateral side portions of the frame portion to each other; a reinforcing member which straddles the lateral side portion of the frame portion and the lateral beam; and a driving unit for a wiper device disposed in a space between the lateral side portion of the frame portion and the lateral beam, wherein: a first end side of the driving unit is fixed to a connection portion between the frame portion and the reinforcing member; and a second end side of the driving unit is fixed to a connection portion of between the reinforcing member and the lateral beam.

2010-04-29

20100102590

REAR DOOR STRUCTURE - A rear door structure in which a rear door is openably and closably provided on a rear portion of a vehicle body, including a door panel, wherein: the door panel includes an upper door panel and a lower door panel provided on the lower portion of the upper door panel; and a lower edge portion of the upper door panel and an upper edge portion of the lower door panel mutually overlap so as to form a lateral beam having a closed cross section and extending in a vehicle width direction.

2010-04-29

20100102591

Sliding, Toollessly Removable Side Window - A sliding, toollessly removable side window for an Off-Highway or On-Highway vehicle includes a spring-back frame fixed to a longitudinal side of the vehicle which comprises a main frame and sub-frame joined by a corner bracket assembly and a spring loaded frame release latch where the latch is used to open and close the spring-back frame, a first pane installed in the spring-back frame where when the frame is opened the first pane can easily be removed for cleaning, etc., a second pane slidably mounted in the spring-back frame on a main frame guide rail assembly, a duck bill latch attached to the second pane which is adapted to release the second pane from a locked position in the main frame to be opened or closed by the operator where a guide mechanism is provided to guide the second pane the operator slides it to an open or closed position.

2010-04-29

20100102592

Twelve-Cornered Strengthening Member - A strengthening member for an automotive vehicle has a twelve-cornered cross section comprising sides and corners creating internal angles and external angles. The strengthening member also comprises one or more of trigger holes, convolutions, and flanges to stabilize the folding mode and prevent bending in response to an axially-applied crash force.

2010-04-29

20100102593

Interior Fitting for a Motor Vehicle - An interior fitting for a motor vehicle is equipped with a bunk and a seat. An element that can be moved into two different operating positions is provided. In a first operating position, the element extends the bunk, while, in the second operating position, the element forms a table for the seat.

Adjustable Rate Subframe Mount - A subframe mount capable of having its rate adjusted is disclosed. Subframe mount is configured with damping regions configured to removably receive inserts that would modify rate upon insertion. In this configuration, subframe mount may have its rate adjusted without removal from the motor vehicle. In certain configurations, the subframe mount provides the ability to tune the rate in multiple directions, providing an enhanced motor vehicle development tool.

2010-04-29

20100102596

MODULAR VEHICLE AND TRIANGULAR TRUSS SUPPORT SYSTEM THEREFOR - A modular vehicle includes a base body having a frame, driver compartment, chassis, motor and wheels, a removable modular component adapted to be locked and unlocked therefrom, and locks that fasten the removable modular component within the base body. The removable modular component provides added structural rigidity to the frame when installed, and can comprise at least 20 percent of the overall volume and at least 20 percent of the overall weight of the entire vehicle. Locks permit the modular component to be removed and replaced with another removable modular component when said locks are unlocked. Various modular components can be directed toward medical, weapons, fire equipment, rescue equipment, hunting supplies, reconnaissance, command center, outback vehicle, or a survival camper. A triangular truss support system provides increased support and protection for the underside of the vehicle, such as for when the vehicle runs over an IED or other destructive device.